The Parliamentary Select Committee on Health has recommended converting the Upper West Regional Hospital into a teaching hospital. This initiative aims to support the training of health professionals, particularly in northern Ghana. The recommendation also seeks to attract more health workers to the region, providing them with opportunities to advance their studies while contributing to the local community. Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, the Chairperson of the Health Committee and Member of Parliament for Nabdam, made the suggestion during a recent visit to the hospital in Wa.
Health Committee Pushes for Teaching Hospital Status
During their visit to the Upper West Regional Hospital, the Health Committee discussed ways to improve healthcare in the region. Dr. Nawaane highlighted that the hospital is well-equipped to become a teaching hospital, noting its near-300 bed capacity and the presence of necessary medical units. He emphasized that the hospital meets the criteria for a teaching facility, comparing it favorably to others that have been designated for such status in the country.
Dr. Nawaane explained that the hospital has all the necessary facilities, including enough beds and medical units, making it well-positioned for transformation into a teaching hospital.
Addressing Staffing Issues
A major concern raised by Dr. Nawaane was the shortage of healthcare staff at the hospital. He urged the Ministry of Finance to grant special financial clearance for the recruitment of staff to fill these gaps. The health committee chairperson emphasized that even if the region couldn’t secure full financial clearance, the Upper West Regional Hospital should be prioritized for staff allocation.
He stressed that the region needed additional staff and financial clearance should be prioritized for the Upper West Regional Hospital.
Equipment Shortages and Needs
The Health Committee also addressed the hospital’s equipment shortages, specifically the lack of pediatric equipment. Dr. Nawaane promised to present the hospital’s needs, including the acquisition of a pediatric ventilator and a pediatric dialysis machine, to the relevant authorities for immediate attention.
Mr. Patrick Boakye-Yiadom, Deputy Ranking Member on the Health Committee, echoed these concerns. He noted that the hospital’s current single Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine was insufficient for a region prone to meningitis outbreaks. He called for additional PCR machines to be provided to the hospital.
Financial Success and Challenges
Despite these challenges, the committee praised the hospital’s management for their resilience. The hospital has managed to generate over GHS 33 million in internal revenue for 2024, surpassing some larger facilities. This achievement was acknowledged by the committee as a testament to the hospital’s efficiency and commitment to providing quality healthcare.
Dr. Matilda Awingura Akanzum, the Acting Medical Director of the Upper West Regional Hospital, highlighted additional challenges the hospital faces. These include the absence of seed capital for operations, which has hindered the purchase of essential medical supplies. Furthermore, limited human resources, a shortage of vehicles, and the lack of a dedicated electricity line were also pointed out as significant barriers to optimal service delivery.
